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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the chorus of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” is an example of a smooth and groovy R&B progression from the early 1980s. It has a mix of minor chords, a major chord, and a major 7th chord, creating a soulful and slightly melancholic character. The progressions use diatonic chords from the F minor scale, with a hint of modal interchange.

The chorus of “Give Me The Night” by George Benson features a smooth chord progression that explores both diatonic and borrowed chords, creating a sophisticated sound that is characteristic of the jazz and R&B styles prevalent in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The progression is comprised of chords that stem from the Fm7 key but also includes a borrowed Dbmaj7 chord.

“Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead is a song characterized by a strong sense of melancholy and dark ambiance. The harmonic movement creates tension through the use of chromaticism, borrowed chords, and non-diatonic notes. In the verse progression, there is a mixture of minor and major chords, along with added tones that enhance the complexity and mood of the music.

“Somewhere Only We Know” composed by Keane, is a pop-ballad that is based in the key of A Minor. It makes use of both diatonic and borrowed chords in a modern pop style progression that creates an oscillating feel, with repetition for familiarity and simple melody drawn from the underlying chords.

“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley is a well-known example of a poignant, introspective ballad with a mix of pop, folk, and gospel elements. It features intricate, emotionally evocative chord progressions that move beyond typical diatonic patterns and uses borrowed chords to create an emotionally charged atmosphere.

George Benson – Give Me The Night – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7

Chord Progression Analysis

(Db Major Scale: Db – Eb – F – Gb – Ab – Bb – C – Db)

Dbmaj7 (Imaj7), Fm7 (iiim7), Bbm7 (vim7), Cm7 (bVIIm7 – borrowed from Db parallel minor), Dbmaj7 (Imaj7), Fm7 (iiim7), Bbm7 (vim7), Cm7 (bVIIm7 – borrowed from Db parallel minor), Dbmaj7 (Imaj7), Dbmaj7 (Imaj7), Fm7 (iiim7), Bbm7 (vim7), Cm7 (bVIIm7 – borrowed from Db parallel minor), Dbmaj7 (Imaj7), Fm7 (iiim7), Bbm7 (vim7), Cm7 (bVIIm7 – borrowed from Db parallel minor), Dbmaj7 (Imaj7)

“`Cm7 (bVIIm7 – borrowed from Db parallel minor)“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Stevie Wonder – “Knocks Me Off My Feet”:
Dmaj7 (Imaj7), F#m7 (iiim7), Bm7 (vim7), Em9 (IIm9), A9 (V9)

2. Earth, Wind & Fire – “September”:
Abmaj7 (Imaj7), Cm7 (iiim7), Fm7 (vim7), Gm7 (bVIIm7 – borrowed from Ab parallel minor), Abmaj7 (Imaj7)

Though these songs have different keys, each displays the use of diatonic major 7th, minor 7th, and borrowed chords within their progressions, showcasing elements of jazz, R&B, and funk.

Musical Analysis

The verse chord progression primarily consists of diatonic chords Imaj7, iiim7, and vim7. The progression starts with a tonic Dbmaj7 chord before moving to Fm7 (the mediant chord), and to Bbm7 (the submediant chord), implying a smooth harmonic motion. However, the appearance of the borrowed Cm7 chord, which is sourced from the parallel minor (Db minor), adds harmonic interest and tension before being restored to the tonic chord.

Overall Analysis

“Give Me The Night” is a jazz-funk composition with a rich harmonic texture and a catchy melody. It was produced by Quincy Jones and released in 1980. The verse chord progression of this piece features a series of diatonic seventh chords, with one borrowed chord from a parallel minor key, which are common to the jazz and R&B styles.

Style Analysis

George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” exhibits typical features of jazz, R&B, and funk music genres. The use of extended chords like major and minor 7ths, along with the inclusion of a borrowed chord, implies rich harmonic texture, similar to typical jazz and R&B songs from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The syncopated rhythm and catchy instrumental hook additionally lends itself to aspects of funk.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Give Me The Night by George Benson are:

Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7